First transgender dean; College gets fee reduction

By Becca Hoekstra
The Guardsman

Milestone decisions occurred at the City College Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, July 28, as well as important developments in the budget crisis. The following is a roundup of events from the meeting.

Students Pull Together for Reduced Fees

President of the Board John Rizzo and Chancellor Don Q. Griffin have been negotiating for the city of San Francisco to ease up on the taxes and fees it charges City College. “Our campaign to get the city to ease up on fees has resulted in $250,000 in fee reductions for the coming year,” Rizzo said through email.

He believes the fee reductions are largely due to the voices of students, he said. Around 2,000 students are believed to have sent emails or cards to the San Francisco Board of Representatives with their thoughts and pleas for reductions.

“I don’t think it would have happened without the students making their voices heard,” Rizzo said.

Transgender Dean Ordained

The Board also appointed one of the first transgender deans in the world, according to the school. Ms. Bob Davis is the new Dean of the Castro Campus and School of Liberal Arts. Her proposed appointment drew a crowd of supporting co-workers, friends, and students to vouch for her. The room erupted in cheers and applause after the official ruling.

“We are part of a movement, and that movement is human rights,” said Trustee Lawrence Wong after Ms. Davis’s new position was confirmed.

“This is important because of her longtime trailblazing role in education. I think that’s the significance of it more than any personal affinity – recognition of the field itself. She certainly deserves the credit,” Rizzo said.